Life History and Bionomics of Two American Species of Fowl Ticks (Ixodoidea, Argasidae, Argas) of the Subgenus Persicargas

Abstract

The life cycles of Argas (Persicargas) radiatus Railliet and A. (P.) sanchezi Duges are about equal in length, requiring about 2 months, with a minimum of 6 weeks. Temperature sensitivity limits sanchezi to 2–3 generations per year because reproduction is inhibited at 25°C or lower. In south Texas, radiatus could have an many as 5 generations per year. The characteristic of Persicargas spp. to have an additional nymphal stage (N₃) is discussed. The ability of females of each species to produce up to 6 clutches of viable eggs following 1 insemination by the male is demonstrated. The maximum number of egg clutches was 8, and 1 female radiatus produced 1185 eggs during her reproductive life. Under laboratory conditions, 1 female radiatus survived unfed for 39 months and 1 field-collected female allowed to engorge several times survived for at least 40 months. Attempted crossings of the 2 species with each other and each with A. (P.) persicus (Oken) indicate all 3 species are biologically distinct.